Oregon Snow Bikers Trapped on Steep Slope Rescued!

Two snow bikers found themselves stranded on a steep, snow-covered slope in Oregon, forcing rescuers to launch a tense snowmobile operation. 🌐 #News #LaGrandeOR #Oregon #Rescue

LA GRANDE, OR – A routine snow biking trip turned into a terrifying ordeal for two riders in Oregon after their bikes became hopelessly buried in deep snow on a steep, timbered slope. Stranded in dangerous terrain west of Wolf Creek Reservoir, the pair found themselves unable to escape as nightfall approached.

Snow Bikers Trapped in Deep Snow on Treacherous Slope

Union County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue reported that the distress call came in Monday evening.

The bikers, who were navigating the backcountry, got stuck in heavy snow and quickly realized they couldn’t recover their bikes. Stranded on an unforgiving slope with no clear way out, they were in serious trouble.

Luckily, the duo had cell service and access to a GPS mapping app, allowing them to send their exact coordinates to rescuers. This crucial lifeline set a complex and urgent rescue mission into motion.

Snowmobiles and Specialized Teams Deployed in Difficult Conditions

With darkness setting in and extreme terrain making access uncertain, rescuers scrambled into action.

Union County SAR sent two snowmobile teams, a tracked UTV, and a snowshoe team to navigate the harsh conditions. The steep incline, deep snow, and rugged landscape made mechanized travel unpredictable, adding to the urgency of the mission.

Despite the challenging environment, snowmobiles managed to reach the stranded bikers and transport them down a drainage area to the waiting UTV. From there, they were safely transported to a plowed road—escaping what could have been a far worse outcome.

Officials Praise Riders’ Preparedness

Though the rescue was difficult, authorities said the outcome could have been much worse had the bikers not been properly equipped.

“We are grateful that the stranded party had and knew how to use the mapping app on their phones, had a satellite communicator as a backup, practiced good battery conservation, and did not wait to call until the situation had become more critical due to the cold temperatures,” Union County SAR stated.

Officials emphasized the importance of being prepared in the backcountry, warning that even short outings can quickly turn into life-threatening situations.

No injuries were reported.

RELATED TOPICS: Accidents and Rescues | Oregon